The successful vote to prevent a Republican filibuster against starting debate broke down along strict party lines. All 58 Senate Democrats - along with Independent Sens. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont - supported bringing the measure to the floor. Almost all of the 40 Senate Republicans opposed the motion.

A minimum of 60 votes is required to break a filibuster in the 100-member body.

soundoff(26 Responses)

Watchdog

Now we know......any posturing by so called blue dogs is just that....POSTURING....Americans oppose this bill....THEY DONT CARE
VOTE THEM OUT
Dodd.....OUT
Reid.......OUT
Harkin.....OUT
Landrieu...OUT
Lincoln......OUT
See you in November!!!!

November 21, 2009 08:31 pm at 8:31 pm |

Mickey

Now the Dems just have to cram the rest right down the Republicans pie hole...

Remember the Bush quote: You are either with us or you are against us.

Why are the Republicans AGAINST us? The GOP better use this reform to reform themselves, or they are in for a rocky road ahead.

GOP: Evolve or die...

November 21, 2009 08:47 pm at 8:47 pm |

Jerry-Dallas-Tx

Truly there is more democracy in Democratic party our GOP where we do not entertain internal dissent. This country will be better served by 75 Senate Democrats who vote on facts and sense than party ideology. My brother who works for one of Republican Senators told me two days ago that "the Senator will vote NO not because we don't need this Bill" but due to ideological pressure. The instructions are very clear "SAY NO TO ANYTHING OBAMA/DEMOCRATS".
Unfortunately this may ruin the party I grew up to. Our base shrinks by the day due to bad policies and typical conservatism. We need to change direction to shape our future or we bestow our trust to 75 Demo Senators.

November 21, 2009 09:04 pm at 9:04 pm |

mjm

"Landrieu, who won $100 million in the legislation to help her state pay the costs of health care for the poor."

Simply write someone a $100 million check into the bill in order to secure their vote. Must be nice. And tax payers pay for this bribe.

How many other votes were secured in this manner?

This is truly disgusting.

November 21, 2009 09:17 pm at 9:17 pm |

Ridgeway

Pathetic losers. Socialists. The election of this communist President has done more to destroy America than any war. Reid and Pelosi are a pair of homely, simpletons.
You Obama supporters should have your heads, no asses, examined because that's what you all think with.

November 21, 2009 09:27 pm at 9:27 pm |

Lindley Deering

I like a woman with guts! Sara has more guts and more going for her than anyone connected to the White House or, in the White House!

November 21, 2009 09:34 pm at 9:34 pm |

Donovan

As a Canadian observing the on going health care debate, it is absolutely mind boggling how polarized and self absorbing the republican party is. Regardless of how great an idea may be, they are dead set on striking it down before it is ever presented. Example. If you tell an GOP one plus one is two, they will insist it's three. Reason they refuse to accept logic and only want to see a GOP health care bill passed. However they need to understand there will never be another republican party again for a long time. P.S what happened to Lieberman, he was very insistant he would never vote for a Obama plan. He is too wishy washy. Is he running scared?

CNN I hope you post this as some of the comments you guys post make me say wow.

Viva Canada health care it has problems but its free and we are not prejudice against people without.

November 21, 2009 09:37 pm at 9:37 pm |

Obama Justice on the Move !

This is a great day for workers, and the rise of the working class over the ruling class. It's about time.

November 21, 2009 09:50 pm at 9:50 pm |

Katie B in NC

It's shameful that not one Republican voted to begin the debate. They're thumbing their noses at our democratic process. I don't want to hear them complaining about a lack of bipartisanship ever again!

November 21, 2009 09:51 pm at 9:51 pm |

Mark

I wish the liberal no minds would read the fine print sometime.

November 21, 2009 10:05 pm at 10:05 pm |

IVOTE

This is a great step forward. Now the work begins.

November 21, 2009 10:08 pm at 10:08 pm |

Gwen

This is a great day for America! Health Care for all!

November 21, 2009 10:15 pm at 10:15 pm |

Lee in Raleigh

The Republican Party fought Franklin Rooselvet – D on Social Security. The Republican Party fought Lindon Johnson – D on Medicare. Now they are fighting Barack Obama – D on health care reform. Do you see a trend here? If you are not white, rich and a far-right wing nut, there is no room for you in this truly wonderful organization. Every Republican fighting this much-needed health care bill should hang their heads in shame. Never again will this senior citizen, Independent voter EVER vote for any Republican candidate.

November 21, 2009 10:19 pm at 10:19 pm |

jinxie

Kill the Bill.
This country needs healthcare reform now, not health insurance mandates from politicians lining their pockets with payoffs.
Single Payer, Medicare for all, saves lives, saves money and thwarts influence peddling and bribery in government.
The only thing is doesn't do is bailout more corporate thieves.

November 21, 2009 10:20 pm at 10:20 pm |

roberto2932

finally, we are closer and closer to our needed healthcare reform...go DEMS...

November 21, 2009 10:23 pm at 10:23 pm |

It should be an interesting time to watch CSPN

like many of the hearings, now is the time to listen up, nay sayers put up or shut up, I'm listening

November 21, 2009 10:32 pm at 10:32 pm |

ThinkAgain

Another step toward meaningful health care reform!

However, it's not over yet. And to make it a reality, we need a robust public option, the elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions, and no opt-out for the states (because you know that the unfortunate folks living in "Red" states will be used as patsies in the GOP's bid to regain power).

And two important, effective ways to help fund this meaningful health care reform are:

1. Eliminate the FICA tax cap on income above $90,000. This would generate a huge source of funds. (Right now, no FICA is paid on individual income above $90,000.)

2. Change the top tax rate to what it was under Ronald Reagan: 39%. Right now, the top rate is 36%; people making higher incomes can afford to pay an additional 3%.

Are these "taxes on the rich?" Yes, they are. And the wealthy can certainly afford it.

After all, it's the least they can do for the country that has given them the opportunity to create their wealth in the first place.

November 21, 2009 10:46 pm at 10:46 pm |

Lgreen

Why would 16 Republicans who represent the TEN Unhealthiest states in America vote no on a health care reform bill to allow debate.

Is it because they just plain don't want to debate the issues in the bill. They are against abortion... but would rather abort their responsibility to discuss, debate and vote on bills sent to them by the congress.

My guess is either their pockets are lined by the insurance industries
and /or.... they are unable to depart their party of obstruction – Led my Michael Steele.

In order of unhealthiest states as reported here in another article....
MS., LA.,SC., AL., OK., TN., GA., NV., WV., KY. Thanks to three democrats Mary Landreau, Harry Reid, Byrd and Rockerfeller those ten states will have a serious health care debate.

November 21, 2009 11:13 pm at 11:13 pm |

Deb n Texas

It's about time the Democrats come together to get THEIR JOB DONE. Yes, it is THEIR JOB to fulfill the MAJORITY OF AMERICAN"S WISHES – that is the reason they were sent there. AMEN!

November 21, 2009 11:22 pm at 11:22 pm |

Old Gal

I would like to see the list of those who voted no so we can concentrate on removing them from the Senate. Those conservatives are blasphemers thinking God has annointed them. Just think, Sarah removed the Republican in upper NY and the gave the Dems the 60th vote for the passage. Ha Ha Great strategy there. Also remember, conservatives, that you and your appointed ones at C street ABORTED OVER 40,000 LIVING AMERICANS by denying them health care coverage. And you say your are pro-life. Liars all and so unAmerican that you ALL need to be voted out of office. By quiting mid-term, you all get the 100% pension anyway. If Cnn were not so Republican, you would publish the list so we can throw the bums out.

November 21, 2009 11:23 pm at 11:23 pm |

Wise Latina

Guess we need to check the freezers of Landraeu and many of the other Dems who were bought off in the 11th hour. That is today's game – play hard to get until you are richly "rewarded" for caving in. It's just another Dem scam on the taxpayers!!

November 21, 2009 11:27 pm at 11:27 pm |

Trent

Once again Rerpublicans proving themselves to be worthless.

November 21, 2009 11:28 pm at 11:28 pm |

Jillie

Republicans remind me of bullying thugs.

November 21, 2009 11:30 pm at 11:30 pm |

coleopter

Now the hard part begins.

November 22, 2009 12:30 am at 12:30 am |

Debbie, Las Vegas

Oh no, Sarah Palin slams healthcare reform. Well let me rethink my feelings about it. I mean if the quitter ex-Governor feels it's bad for the country then I'm sure she knows best. Since she's someone that stays in there and fights for the people who elected her above everything selfish.